The second of this weekend’s semi-final clashes is a tantalising cross-border clash between two sides who are currently unbeaten in their respective leagues.
Falkirk are flying high at the top of cinch League 1, currently 11 points clear of nearest challengers Hamilton Accies, with John McGlynn’s side averaging an incredible 2.5 goals per game.
While Cymru Premier table toppers The New Saints hold a 15-point advantage over Connah’s Quay Nomads, as well as boasting an impressive +63 goal difference, powered by the scoring power of attacking standouts Brad Young and Ryan Brobbel.
With both sides in imperious domestic form, this has all the makings of a cup classic!
TV: Kick-off on Saturday is 7.40pm and the match is live on BBC ALBA and S4C
Tickets: You can buy tickets for the match here
Road to the Semis
Falkirk kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 win over Ayr United at Somerset before beating Queen’s Park by the same scoreline in Round Four. The Bairns defeated Dundee United 4-2 in a thrilling tie at home thanks to a double from Callumn Morrison and goals from Tom Lang and Finn Yeats.
The New Saints got the better of Hibernian B 3-0 at Meadowbank before a titanic clash with East Fife went to penalties after a 2-2 draw at Park Hall. The Cymru Premier champions then disposed of cinch Championship outfit, Arbroath 4-1 in Oswestry to seal their last four spot
Cup Pedigree
Falkirk have won this competition four times, more than any other club, but they haven’t reached the final since 2012.
Victory over Falkirk would see TNS become only the second non-Scottish side to reach the final of this competition, the only other being fellow Cymru Premier outfit Connah’s Quay Nomads who were beaten 3-1 by Ross County in the 2018/19 final.
Key Players
Falkirk’s excellent form this season has been largely abetted by a combination of potent attacking play, balance in midfield and a water-tight defence.
While Callumn Morrison has grabbed the headlines with 14 goals in all competitions, new signing Calvin Miller has grown to become one of the most vital cogs in Falkirk’s well-oiled machine. Since joining from Greenock Morton in the summer, Miller has brought bags of energy and quality to Falkirk’s left flank. Dovetailing with full-back Leon McCann, Miller’s dribbling, crossing and attacking awareness have made him arguably the division’s standout performer in recent weeks.
Tom Lang has brought an element of steel and poise to the Bairns’ rearguard since his summer switch from Raith Rovers. The Englishman has also brought the best out of central defensive partner Coll Donaldson, with the pair shipping just 13 goals in their 22 league appearances this season. While Liam Henderson’s combative and workmanlike nature in midfield has allowed the creative talents of Brad Spencer to flourish. Standing at 6ft 2in, Henderson’s physical presence has become a huge asset in both boxes, with the midfield powerhouse notching 4 goals in his last 6 outings.
For The New Saints, the story is somewhat similar to that of Falkirk. Quality and depth across the park has TNS on an incredible run of 33 domestic games without defeat.
In the absence of defensive mainstay Ryan Astles, Englishman Josh Pask has shouldered much of the defensive responsibility in the heart of Craig Harrison’s back line. A powerful defender with a wealth of experience across in the Cymru Premier and all 3 EFL divisions, Pask will be key to keeping Falkirk’s plethora of attacking options quiet on Saturday evening.
Star striker Brad Young has been in imperious form for the Cymru Premier champions since making the summer switch from English giants Aston Villa. The talented attacker has notched 20 goals in all competitions this season, including 4 goals in the SPFL Trust Trophy and a strike in TNS’ recent Welsh League Cup Final triumph over Swansea City U21s. While Scottish striker Declan McManus will no doubt be keen to make an impact against his former club. McManus has had his minutes limited this season through injury but has still contributed 5 goals in his 8 league appearances thus far. The forward boasts an incredible strike rate since making the switch to Oswestry in 2021, registering 72 goals and 21 assists in 88 appearances in all competitions.
